English
In English we learn about communication. We develop our Writing skills to address a range of different audiences in a range of different styles. We become analytical Readers who are able to extract the purpose of a writer’s work from anything from an internet blog to a Shakespearean Tragedy and everything in-between. We learn to deliver speeches, work in teams and listen, sensitively, to others.
‘Language is the armoury of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons of its future conquests.’
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
English lessons are delivered by a team of enthusiastic and innovative subject experts. Lessons are designed to match the needs of individuals within the class and we aim to challenge developing minds and support learning at every level.
KS3
During years 7-9 you will explore:
· Writing to Argue, Persuade and Advise
· Writing to Explore, Imagine and Entertain
· Media (Print and moving image based)
· Reading (Pre-1914 texts and contemporary works of Literature)
· Poetry (From other cultures and themed)
· Drama (Shakespeare and modern drama)
· Speaking and Listening (Individual, Drama role play, discursive)
Each year builds upon prior learning and aims to prepare you for the rigours of your GCSEs and life beyond the classroom. We aim to provide interesting and engaging ‘texts’ as a bases for study ranging from Middle English Chaucer to analysis of popular films and recent publications.
KS4
At the end of Year 11, you will gain 2 qualifications in English:
The 10 English lessons per fortnight cover the syllabus for both qualifications. Both GCSEs have a mixture of exams and controlled assessments.
English Language GCSE
The Edexcel GCSE in English Language qualification requires students to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of language and its use to:
• engage with and make fresh connections between ideas, texts, words and images
• analyse spoken and written language, exploring impact and how it is achieved
• understand how spoken language and written language evolve in response to changes in society and technology and how this process relates to identity and cultural diversity.
Unit 1: English Today
Unit 2: The Writer’s Voice
Unit 3: Spoken Language
English Literature GCSE
Students will develop their knowledge, skills and understanding to:
• develop and sustain independent interpretations of whole texts, supporting them with detailed textual references
• analyse connections between texts, comparing features and qualities that connect and contrast the presentation of themes, characters and settings
• analyse the impact of style, language, structure and form
• relate texts to their social and historical contexts, and to literary traditions of which they are a part
• understand how texts from the literary heritage have been influential over time.
Unit 1: Understanding Prose
Unit 2: Understanding Poetry
Unit 3: Shakespeare and Contemporary Drama
KS5
At The King’s (The Cathedral) School, the English Curriculum Area offers two A-level courses:
Language and Literature
Literature
In order to study either of these courses, we strongly recommend that you have at least B grades at GCSE in both English Language and English Literature. You must have a passion for reading, enjoy discussing texts (poetry, prose and drama), and be a skilful essay writer.
English Language and Literature
One of the most exciting aspects of this course is that it will open an entirely new area of study to you. Linguistics is the study of how language works both in speech and writing. You will learn how to apply the information and skills gained in your own creative pieces and critical analysis.
Literature is about ideas. In all works of literature authors put across attitudes and values through the characters they invent—often through the way in which they are shown to speak of to think; sometimes more directly through the narrative. The intention is always to entertain but often also to challenge the preconceptions of the reader. This is especially true in the case of the literature we will study.
You will study a selection of drama, poetry and literary prose along with a range of non-literary texts including diaries, autobiographies and speeches.
AS
Unit 1—Exploring Voices in Speech and Writing—Examination: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Unit 2—Creating Texts—Coursework Unit
A2
Unit 3—Varieties in Language and Literature—Examination: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Unit 4—Presenting the World—Coursework
English Literature
During the course, you develop a critical understanding concerning the ways in which a writer can create great literature. You will learn how to study and write accurately about a variety of literary texts (prose, poetry and drama), using appropriate terminology and learning how to analyse how texts are created for effect. You will also be heightening your analytical skills to allow you to study and write about ‘unprepared’ texts. You will study texts in relation to the context in which they are written, and explore connections and comparisons between them.
Texts are grouped for study in expected and unexpected ways to offer a balance of familiar texts drawn from our literary heritage and texts that are different, new and stimulating.
There is a compulsory coursework unit, which will encourage you to study independently and allow you to write critically, analytically, and creatively.
AS
Unit 1 – Aspects of Narrative - Examination: 2 hours (Open Book) - 60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks
Unit 2 – Dramatic Genres – Coursework - 40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks
A2
Unit 3 – Texts and Genres – Examination: Two hours (Closed Book) - 60% of total A2 / 30% of total A Level marks
Unit 4 – Further and Independent Reading – Coursework - 40% of total A2 / 20% of total A Level marks
Further opportunities within English:
· Theatre trips
· Visiting poets
· Visiting writers
· Visiting Theatre Companies
· Literary Competitions
· Literature Club (KS5)
· Book Club (KS3)
· Contributions to the School Magazine
· English Wiki
Department Staff
Mrs Tamlyn Rose - Curriculum Area Manager and KS4 Coordinator
Mrs Nicola Creasey -KS3 Coordinator
Mrs Sue Baker - English Teacher
Mr Paul Faupel -English Teacher
Mrs Sue Paine -English Teacher
Mrs Mandy Warner-Bradshaw - English Teacher
Mrs Sarah Vaughn - English Teacher
Mr Charlie Armstrong - Assistant Head Teacher